October 21, 2022: COVID-19 Update

21 October 2022

Family Update October 21, 2022
COVID-19 Update:

Outbreak(s) at RHC:

We have two COVID-19 outbreaks, a new one on CD1 and one on CD3 in our PCH at this time

CD1:
  • This outbreak was declared this morning with 3 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, 2 resident swabs pending and 1 staff positive.
  • At this time, no general visitors are allowed. Virtual visits are available and recommended.
  • Designated Caregivers are allowed to visit if considered essential but need to understand the potential risks of exposure. Designated Caregivers need to be supervised donning and doffing PPE and should not access the PPE by themselves.
  • All residents with symptoms are on Enhanced isolation and a swab taken.
  • Residents without symptoms on the D side can dine in dining room, with strict adherence to one resident per table. Maintain physical distancing for residents out of their room.
  • C side residents are eating in their rooms
  • Residents who can tolerate one, are to wear a mask when out of room.
  • Group activities are cancelled including hair appointments – residents will be kept on unit unless medically essential (i.e. doctor’s appointment, etc.)
  • Staff are Cohorting to one side of unit as best possible.
  • Additional support to monitor residents is in place.
  • Increased cleaning of high touch surfaces on unit will occur.
  • All staff going into rooms under isolation will wear an N95 mask. Full face shields are recommended for direct care. PPE donning/doffing stations are being set up.
CD3
  • Ten residents have tested positive for COVID-19, 5 are recovered
  • No general visitors are allowed at this time. IP&C recommend virtual visits if possible. Designated Caregivers are allowed to visit if considered essential but need to be aware of the risk of potential exposure. Designated Caregivers must be supervised donning and doffing PPE and should not access the PPE and isolation carts by themselves.
  • All residents with symptoms are on Enhanced isolation precautions and any newly symptomatic residents will be swabbed.
  • Residents who are asymptomatic can dine in the dining room, with strict adherence to one resident per table. We will work to maintain physical distancing for residents when out of their room as best possible.
  • Any residents who can tolerate wearing a mask when out of room will be asked to do so.
  • Group activities are cancelled, including hair appointments – residents will be kept on unit unless they have a medically essential appointment.
  • Staff will be cohorted to one side of unit as best possible.
  • Once daily symptom checks at minimum will occur, for all residents on both sides of the unit.
  • Increased cleaning of high touch surfaces on unit has been requested.
  • All staff going into rooms under isolation will wear an N95 mask. Full face shields are recommended for direct care. PPE donning/doffing stations are set up.
  • Additional staffing has been requested.
  • We do have a few residents/patients who are on enhanced isolation precautions and are isolating in their rooms due to a high-risk contact with a positive family member or visitor and awaiting a swab result on other units.
Vaccine Clinics:
  • We held a Bi-valent vaccine clinic on Oct. 20. Sixteen residents/patients and thirty-four staff received their vaccination
  • Designated Caregivers are encouraged to get their Bi-valent vaccine as soon as you are eligible
  • Additional Bi-valent vaccine clinics and Flu clinics are planned.
PPE:
  • Masks continue to be required to be worn by all staff and all families and visitors at RHC and in all health care facilities. If you are visiting outdoors, masks are no longer required. You still need to come into the facility wearing your mask, be screened and put on the mask provided to you. Eye protection is available if you wish.
Designated Family Caregiver/Essential Care Partner/General Visitor:
  • MAXIMUM 2 VISITORS AT A TIME, IN ROOM (exception: 4 allowed at end of life)
  • This includes Designated Caregivers and General Visitors and children
    o Our screeners are tracking how many visitors are signed in, by room
     Residents/patients and family, please organize your visits to comply with the visiting restriction of two visitors per room at one time
  • Please do not wait in the cafeteria until the previous visitors leave
     Please remember to sign out when you leave
  • Outdoor visits and walks are encouraged
  • Designated Caregivers can visit outside of the resident/patient room, providing that physical distancing can be maintained from other residents/patients and their Designated Caregivers
  • Please wear your mask for the duration of your visit (indoors), practice good hand hygiene and you are encouraged to maintain physical distancing. Following these precautions is for the benefit of all residents/patients.
  • Please, no eating or drinking in the resident/patient’s room
  • Please screen for illness, do not come to visit, even if slightly ill. Do let us know if you are awaiting a test result or if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Visiting hours are 1030-2000. Exception: 24/7 visiting for Designated Caregivers at end of life
  • Small group programming, physically distanced, is occurring for residents, and will continue for units not in outbreak.
  • New admissions will be quarantined for 10 days, staying in their room without the enhanced isolation precautions.

    Thank you all for your support. Be well.
    RHC Leadership

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